How to find out the Xiaomi model: all the ways for smartphones and gadgets

Why it is important to know the exact model of Xiaomi

You bought a used Xiaomi on Avito, found an old smartphone in your drawer, or just forgot what model you have? Without this information, you can't download the right firmware, order a case or battery, and sometimes even sell the device. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10S are almost identical in appearance, but have different processors and cameras — a mistake in the model will lead to incompatibility of spare parts.

Worse still, the cross-stitched devices are often disguised as flagships by sellers (e.g. Poco X3 NFC is a Poco F3). Without a model check, you risk buying a cat in a bag. In this article, all the official and hidden ways to identify Xiaomi models, including devices without access to the system.

Method 1: Through phone settings (the easiest one)

If the smartphone is turned on and running, it will take less than a minute, and is suitable for all MIUI devices (including the Poco, Black Shark, and older models like the Mi 5).

Open the Settings menu → About the phone. Depending on the version of MIUI, the path may be slightly different:

• 📱 MIUI 12/13/14: Settings → The phone. → Model
• 🔄 Old versions (MIUI 10-11): Settings → System system → The phone. → Name of model
• 🎮 Black Shark: Settings → About the device → Model

You'll see the full name on the screen, like 2201116SG (this is Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G) or M2012K11AG (Poco X3 NFC). If the name appears as code (as in the example), use the decryption table below.

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If the settings only say "Redmi" or "Poco" without numbers, it's a sign of a fake device or a deeply altered firmware. Check the model through IMEI (method 3).

Method 2: On the label on the case or box

On all original Xiaomi devices, the model is listed on a sticker under the removable cover (if any) or on the back.

• 🏷️ Model: M2007J22C (This is Redmi 9)
• 📦 Type: 2203121C (Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G)
• 🔢 IMEI/MEID: 15-code (suitable for the method) 3)

The model is shown on the box with a barcode sticker (usually at the bottom). Note that fakes often only write a series (e.g., "Redmi Note 10"), without an exact code. Compare the code from the box to the code on the phone - they should match.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or Mix Fold 2) the sticker is hidden under the SIM tray. Use the clip to remove the tray, and check the inside.

Method 3: IMEI (works even on locked phones)

IMEI is a unique device identifier that can be used to identify a model even if the phone is not switched on or locked. There are 4 ways to know the IMEI:

• 📞 Type *#06# on the keyboard and a window with a 15-digit code will appear.
• 📄 Look at the box or under the battery (for older models with removable battery).
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and use the command in ADB: adb shell getprop ro.gsm.imei
• 🔍 Android 12.+ IMEI You can find in the settings → Google → The device.

Copy the IMEI and check it out on one of the services:

• 🌍 IMEI.info (shows model, year of issue and country)
• 🔍 IMEI24.com (detailed information about the gadget)
• 📱 Xiaomi official website (requires authorization in Mi Account)

⚠️ Note: If the service shows a model that does not match the appearance of the phone (for example, Redmi). 9A POCO X3), It's probably overstuffed, which might mean that: 🚨 The phone has changed the firmware (possible problems with updates). 💸 It’s fake (often Chinese clones disguised as Xiaomi). 🔧 The device was in repair with the replacement of the motherboard.

Method 4: Decoding the model code (table)

Xiaomi uses internal model codes that don’t always match commercial names, such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which can be labeled sweet or M2101K6G. The table below shows code and real name matching for popular devices (2019-2026).

The full list of codes can be found on Xiaomi's official website ("Device List"). If your code is not in the table, try Google for: Xiaomi [your code] model name.

Method 5: Through Fastboot or Recovery (for experienced)

If the phone is not turned on or locked but is responsive to a PC connection, the model can be recognized via Fastboot or Recovery modes.

Instructions for Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to your PC and type in the command: fastboot getvar product The answer will be in the format: product: sweet (where sweet is the model code).

Instructions for Recovery:

1. Press Volume Up + Power before downloading MI Recovery.
2. From the menu, select Connect with MIAssistant (if available).
3. The model code will appear on the screen (for example, vili for Xiaomi Mi 10).

⚠️ Note: If you see unknown command in response to fastboot getvar, it means that: 🔌 The device is not recognized by the PC (check the drivers). 🔧 Fastboot is blocked by the manufacturer (found on some Chinese models). 💀 The device has a damaged firmware (reflashing is required).

Method 6: By serial number (for Mi Account devices)

Serial Number is another unique identifier that you can use to define a model.

• 📱 In settings: Settings → The phone. → Serial number.
• 📦 On the box or under the battery (for older models).
• 🖥️ Through ADB: adb shell getprop ro.serialno

Copy the serial number and check it on the official Mi Account website (Devices section), and the system will show the tied model, which only works if the phone was logged in to Xiaomi's account.

If the serial number is not determined, try an alternative service:

• 🔗 SNDeepInfo (paid but accurate).
• 🔍 Swappa (free but limited functionality).

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Serial number and IMEI are different things! IMEI is tied to the modem, and serial number is tied to the motherboard. On fakes, they often don't match the official databases.

Method 7: Visual Identification (for beginners)

If the phone doesn't turn on and you don't have access to the settings, you can identify the model by the external features.

• 📏 Connectors: 🔌 3.5 mm audio jack - there is a Redmi Note 10/11, missing from the Mi 11/12. 🔋 Charging port type: USB-C (all-model 2018 Micro-USB (old Redmi) 4A/5A).
• 📸 Camera: 🔍 108 MP - characteristic of Redmi Note 10 Pro and Mi 11. 🎯 3 cameras in a vertical block - Poco X3/X4. 🔄 Retractable camera - Mi 9T or Mi 10T.
• 🖥️ Screen: 🔲 120 Hz - Poco F3, Redmi Note 11 Pro+. 🖼️ AMOLED — Mi 10/11, Black Shark. 📺 The cutout for the droplet - Redmi 9/Note 9.

For accurate identification, compare your device photos to the official Xiaomi images.

• 🎨 Color of the case (e.g. Redmi Note) 10S It was released in gray, and the Note 10 Pro – in blue).
• 📏 Sizes (use a ruler to measure the screen diagonal).
• 🔊 Location of speakers (Poco usually has them on the top edge).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the most experienced users sometimes get the model wrong, and here are the most common mistakes:

• 🔄 Confused by Redmi and Poco: For example, Poco X3 NFC Redmi Note 9 Pro has the same processor (Snapdragon) 720G), But different screens and cameras!
• 📦 Only trust the box: Fraudsters often forge packaging. Always check the data from the sticker on your phone.
• 🔢 Use only IMEI: Some models (such as Black Shark) IMEI It can be a reference to a basic platform rather than a specific model.
• 📱 Ignoring the region: Redmi Note 10 Pro for India (M2101K6I) global (M2101K6G) They have different firmware. It's important for updates!

If you are in doubt about the result, use the combined method:

1. Check the model code in the settings.
2. Check it with IMEI via IMEI.info.
3. Make sure the phone looks the same as the official photo.

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If the data from different sources (settings, IMEI, box) do not match, you are either a fake or a device with a replaced motherboard, in both cases it is better to refuse to buy.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions